Finding love during
the coronavirus
26 FEBRUARY 2 0 2 1
LOCAL LOVE
BY DANIELLE BRODY
Ninety-two percent of locals say that dating is harder during
the pandemic, according to an informal poll conducted
through BORO’s Instagram stories in January.
That’s because dating nowadays
involves health concerns,
socially distanced dates and,
often, delays in meeting in person.
But, despite the complications,
Astoria singles are still trying
to make connections.
Jackie Krol, a psychotherapist
who specializes in relationships,
said it’s challenging for people
to navigate how to get close,
be safe and avoid contracting
COVID-19.
“People are realizing that is
possible, but it does make dating
more difficult,” said Krol, who
is based in Manhattan and sees
Astoria patients virtually.
Longtime Astoria resident
Justin Finley said there are “no
easy answers” to the best way
to date during the pandemic.
Finley said there are now a
lot more considerations when
deciding how to date. He gets
tested regularly and, before a
date, will ask women how often
they get tested and the size of
their social circle.
“There’s a new level of consent
conversation with COVID,”
he said. “If we didn’t talk about
it, it’d be awkward because
someone isn’t acknowledging
what’s happening.”
He has always preferred
meeting women in person and
has still managed to do so while
following CDC guidelines.
This summer, after meeting
a woman at the Irish Whiskey
Bar, they went on a socially distanced
date, which included
walking and drinking outside in
Astoria.
“In the summer it was easier
to get out of the house,” he said.
“Everyone was craving conversation
and human contact.”
In an Astoria Reddit group,
users shared their experiences
of dating during COVID-19.
Some users, echoing Finley,
said it was easier to date during